# What is iqamah and how does it differ from prayer start

> Prayer start time is when the prayer window opens astronomically. Iqamah is when the congregation stands for prayer at the mosque — at a time set by each…

*Source: https://prayer-times.co.uk/answers/what-is-iqamah · Page updated: 2026-07-17 · Independent, free UK prayer times.*

---

Mosques

# What is iqamah and how does it differ from prayer start time?

Updated 2026-09-08

Quick Answer

Prayer start time is when the prayer window opens astronomically. Iqamah is when the congregation stands for prayer at the mosque — at a time set by each mosque; there is no universal offset.

## In detail

This site publishes start times so you know when the prayer becomes valid. For jamaat, always use your mosque’s iqamah schedule.

This answer is not

A substitute for the board at the mosque you will pray in. Start times and iqamah differ. We do not sell listings or calculation methods.

## More in Mosques

-   [When is Jummah prayer in the UK?](/answers/when-is-jummah-in-the-uk)
-   [How do I find a mosque near me in the UK?](/answers/find-mosque-near-me-uk)
-   [How do I find Jummah near me in the UK?](/answers/find-jummah-near-me-uk)

How to cite this page

UK Prayer Times. "What is iqamah and how does it differ from prayer start time?." https://prayer-times.co.uk/answers/what-is-iqamah.html. Last updated 17 July 2026. Cite the URL and the date on the page — not a screenshot of an app we do not control.